Ever-present 'keeper commits to the club...
THE SADDLERS have secured the services of goalkeeper, Richard O’Donnell, on a new deal that runs until the end of the 2014/15 season.The 25 year-old joined the club following a successful trial spell during the summer and has been an ever-present in the side since then, putting in some assured displays between the posts.
“Richard fully deserves this extension,” said manager, Dean Smith. “He has steadily improved and developed since he has been here and has played in every game for us.
“He is a hard-working and dedicated lad who has really benefitted from the work he has done with Neil Cutler [Goalkeeping Coach].
“This is another important piece of the jigsaw for us as we plan ahead. He’s a good age and fits our criteria in that he has a real willingness to learn and further develop.
“There are areas of his game that he needs to work on, but he is a talented goalkeeper and I am delighted that he has committed his future to us.”
O’Donnell added: “This is something that I have worked towards since the day I first arrived here. I am really pleased that this has been sorted and now I can concentrate on my football and our push for the play-offs.
“My development has been good under the guidance of Neil Cutler and I really enjoy working with the Gaffer and Richard O’Kelly.
“I feel that I am getting better and better; there is a lot of hard work ahead, but I am ready for it.”
O’Donnell started his career with hometown club, Sheffield Wednesday, where he came through the ranks and broke into the first-team squad whilst still an Academy player.
During his time with The Owls he gained experience from loan spells with the likes of York City, Rotherham United, Oldham Athletic, Grimsby Town and Macclesfield Town, whilst back at Hillsborough, he helped the club gain promotion from League One in 2011/12.
He moved on to Chesterfield in readiness for the 2012/13 campaign, during which he spent time on loan at Stockport County.